A trip to the Spring Fair starts days before we even set foot through the doors. Here's what it is, how we plan and what we get up to while we're there.
What is Spring Fair?
Spring Fair is the UK's biggest trade show - an exhibition filled with brands and businesses selling their wares exclusively to retailers.
You'll find everyone from well known names like Wrendale Designs, to smaller artisans hoping to be discovered by buyers like us as well as huge overseas importers.
Buyers from John Lewis, Sainsbury's and Harrods attend every year to source stock for the Autumn/Winter seasons.
Why Sabel Lane Visits Spring Fair
We visit Spring Fair to discover new products from the brands we already stock, but also to find exciting new brands so we can offer you even more choice.
Planning for the Spring Fair Trade Show.
Planning is essential. Spring Fair is huge and full of wonderful things - as a shopping enthusiast, I really have to remind myself to be practical and not get distracted by every shiny, pretty object.
First, we use our catalogue that arrives through the post once we order our tickets.
It's a hefty book, packed with exhibitors and organised by sections such as: gift, home, living & decor, clothing & footwear, greetings, party & celebration and more.
Our job is to identify the stockists we would like to visit and locate them on the map so we know exactly where we are going.
Once we've exhausted the catalogue, I head to the website and comb through every business in the sections we're interested in to make sure we don't miss any new brands.
Traveling to the NEC Birmingham.
Next stop: NEC Birmingham. Luckily, it's not too far away from where we're based, so good old dad gives us a lift.
From there, it's just 2 women buzzing with excitement - fuelled by the promise of buying stock and planning the year ahead.
After accidentally ending up at The Running Show (and being told I "didn't look like a runner"), we eventually found our way to the correct hall, slightly frazzled but still laughing.
First Stop: Tea, Biscuits and a Reset.
A cup of tea and a Jammy Dodger does wonders for the mind and body in moments of confusion.
We gathered ourselves, circled our destinations on the map, and finally started the day properly.
Buying Stock & Meeting Our Suppliers.
The best part of Spring Fair is checking out the stock, placing orders we know you'll love and building relationships with our suppliers.
We gather ideas, have honest discussions, and touch and feel the quality of every item before making decisions.
At the front of our minds, always, is the countryside. If it doesn't meet the brief, it doesn't get ordered.
Finding Countryside Inspired Brands
Planning doesn't stop once we arrive.
We think about what stock to buy, how it will be displayed and where it fits in within the year ahead.
We take inspiration from suppliers displays, order with specific events in mind (we have some very special items coming), and choose stockists intentionally.
Why Values Matter While Choosing Stock
Each supplier proudly shares their story and values:
"Everything is made and produced in the UK"
"We have designed everything here"
"We have taken inspiration from our family farm"
"These are my own illustrations"
Supporting British made and British designed businesses is incredibly important to me. Even when items can't be made in the UK, knowing they're designed here, still brings me joy.
Lunch at the Buyers' Retreat
As our tummies began to rumble, we headed to The Buyers Retreat to enjoy our pre-prepared picnic and talk through what we'd seen so far.
After a bit of joking (and some kindness from the organisers), mom and I ended up with two bulging goodie bags - and no idea how we'd get them home.
Our Favourite Countryside Brand: Wrendale Designs
After dropping our bags at the cloakroom, we headed to my personal favourite brand - Wrendale Designs
I've been a fan for years and collect everything from stationary to plush toys.
Business head firmly on, I placed an order for new releases and reordered sold out favourites.
As a bonus - I even won a Wrendale goodie bag - again!
Heading Home From the Spring Fair
Getting home was hectic.
Broken escalators, heavy bags and busy Birmingham streets reminded us just how much we are true country bumpkins.
The noise and rush meant we saved our proper discussions until we were safely home.
Reflecting on Our Spring Fair Visit
After a good nights sleep, we talked through everything the following day, from stall decor ideas to exciting new brands we will be introducing this year.
Final thoughts: A Year of New Beginnings
This year feels like a year full of new beginnings.
Big changes and more of what you love.
